Indonesian ban asbestos campaigners 2018 Australian tour

Apr 20, 2018

In May this year Union Aid Abroad – APHEDA is bringing out two Indonesian activists to speak to Australian audiences about the fight to ban asbestos in their country. It’s an excellent chance to hear first-hand from our partner organisations working with us on the Asbestos. Not Here. Not Anywhere. campaign. Darisman and Subono are from Local Initiative for OHS Network (LION) Indonesia and SERBUK Union (an Indonesian union with coverage of Asbestos factory workers).

The visiting activists will also be attending May Day events in different cities and we will alert local supporters of the opportunities to meet Darisman and Subono.

Darisman is the coordinator of LION’s exceptional grassroots organising, education and campaign work which has a long-term goal of banning asbestos use, manufacture and import across Indonesia. They have also led the way regionally in the promotion of Union Aid Abroad’s – APHEDA’s umbrella campaign Asbestos. Not Here. Not Anywhere.

Subono is a former factory worker and now union leader who worked for 20 years in an asbestos manufacturing factory (of which there are still at least 24 operating across Indonesia) before he received any education about the dangers of asbestos exposure. Bono then began organising workers using the dangers of asbestos as a platform for union growth.

We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events and the May Day events around Australia. Keep an eye out for more information about local events.

If you would like to support the tour and the work of our partners in campaigning for an end to asbestos you can donate here. Every contribution moves us closer to safer workplaces and communities around the world.